Applying for SA - help please

[BialystockandBloom]

Sorry I know this topic has been covered (many times) before. But I really need advice/help please.

Ds has just been diagnosed with asd. He's due to start primary school Sep 2011, and ideally we'd like a statement in place asap (ha ha?).

Our LA advice for applying for SA is extremely vague - it just says for parental applications we need to submit a 'brief statement' of why we want the SA.

Can anyone advise please what we do at this, first stage? How long should our statement be, and what should it include? We don't have the dx written report yet so I have nothing in writing to include. Should I get the nursery involved - or would it be better for the application to come from them? They've been pretty supportive so far so I don't know, but I'd hope they would support us.

Any help gratefully received! TIA.

Take a look at IPSEA and SOS:SEN for lots of info on applying for statements and also helplines you can ring to talk to people in the know about these things. Good luck with it all.

as bg said ipsea has model letter and advice here and it's based on need not dx.

You have the right of appeal whoever applies, but the SEN charitities all recommend that parents make an application because then you are in control.

I would ask the LEA to find a suitable ASD special school or special unit, they may have to ask neighbouring local authorities what special units they have.

Thank you for all the replies, really useful.

BialystockandBloom

I am going through the same process as you although currently without a diagnosis.

I have been really clear that DS1 needs help now AND for down the line in September. I have also tried to caveat my letter with lots of "on the information and understanding we have of his needs AT THIS TIME" because I need to get the ball rolling now, before all the assessment processes are complete.

I have also included copies of all the summaries of my son I have to date and a full lst of all the people involved and their contact details.

If you want to have a look at my letter, let me know and I could email it to you. Posted it today!

Loulou if you don't mind that would be really useful, thanks! Could you CAT me? Thanks again, really appreciate it

Hi there just logged back in...am not sure how I CAT...am just off to find out and shall send you the letter!

Have sent you a PM (I hope!) with my letter cut and pasted into it. Hope it is of some help

Have got it - absolutely brilliant, thank you so much